Water Fast Facts

On average, Americans consume 150 gallons of water each day. Only one-half gallon (less than 0.5 percent) is used for drinking. The other 149.5 gallons are used for cleaning, cooking, bathing, flushing, watering the lawn and washing cars — or simply run down the drain unnecessarily.

How much water does it take?

• To take a bath: 36 gallons each time
• To flush a toilet: 1.6 to 6 gallons per flush, depending on the model
• To brush your teeth: 3 gallons per minute
• To hand-wash dishes: 3 gallons per minute
• To run the dishwasher: 6 gallons each load
• To wash clothes in the washing machine: 48 gallons each load
• To water the lawn or other outside uses: 10 gallons per minute

Source: National Wildlife Federation, www.nwr.org